Small business organizations you should get to know

Small business organizations and associations can be beneficial for many reasons. These can offer a wealth of knowledge and practical tips for growing your business. The networking opportunities can also help you and your company. Let's look at a few small business organizations you should know about.

5 small business organizations to know

Don't forget, some business association membership dues are deductible. But this is only if the membership is ordinary and necessary, as well as if it actually helps you carry out the duties of your trade.

Chambers of Commerce

You should get to know your local Chamber of Commerce, particularly if you have a business with a local audience. Here, you can get access to education, network with fellow business owners, and more. It may also help that these can connect you with your local politicians.

You can find accredited local chapters here and the national site is here.

SCORE

The SCORE Foundation is a nonprofit that focuses on connecting small business owners with mentors. Its mission is to "foster vibrant small business communities through mentoring and education."

With more than 10,000 volunteers, SCORE is a great way to find somebody who has been through your challenges and can answer questions. Because it's a nonprofit, many of these services are offered for free or for a low fee.

SCORE also offers workshops and offers free or low-cost resources to help grow your business.

Find your SCORE chapter here.

Small Business Development Center

The Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs) offers free or low-cost business training and consulting. Some of these topics include:

• Accessing capital
• Marketing
• Regulatory compliance
• Technology development
• International trade

The SBDCs have a partnership with the U.S. Small Business Administration. Find your local chapter here.

Women's Business Center

This organization is meant to assist women in starting and growing their small businesses. It's aimed at helping to "level the playing field" and provides training and counseling on a variety of topics.

You can find your local chapter here.

Entrepreneurs' Organization

Entrepreneurs' Organization describes itself as a peer-to-peer network exclusively for entrepreneurs. EO has a global community of more than 13,000 members who share insights and tips.

As the name indicates, EO focuses on helping entrepreneurs better grow their business through resources, direct networking, mentorship and events. The membership dues can be quite hefty but if it fits your type of business, you can apply to Entrepreneurs' Organization here.